Eutteum Lee (34, Gwangju FC) expressed his gratitude to coach Lee Jung-hyo, the “teacher.”
Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo showed up in a uniform on the 20th at The K Hotel in Yangjae-dong, Seoul on Media Day for the opening of the 2023 season K-League 1. He held a media day wearing a yellow shirt, Gwangju’s home uniform. 안전놀이터
Wearing a uniform top inside out attracted the attention of reporters and fans. This is because the commanders of the remaining 11 K-League 1 teams all attended Media Day in neat suits.
On this day, coach Lee Jung-hyo wore a uniform with his student ‘Lee Eutteum’ and his uniform number ‘8’ engraved on it. It was to pray for the recovery of a disciple who had been seriously injured a while ago.
In response to the question, ‘Why did you wear a uniform? I thought showing it like this would be more comforting than any words of comfort, so I put on (turning the uniform upside down) and came out.”
Eutteum Lee, the core of Gwangju’s side, injured his collarbone during a recent practice game and went to the operating table on the 15th. He is currently focusing on his recovery
Lee Eutteum, who saw the ‘teacher’ wearing a uniform at an official event, expressed his gratitude. According to a Gwangju official, Eutteum Lee said, “He wore a neat suit on Media Day, an important event for everyone before the season. Everyone would want to look cool, but the fact that I was wearing a uniform and held an event for one player was very moving.”
He continued, “It’s not because it’s me, it’s because someone on the team would have taken care of it even if something went wrong. I hope that these actions will be a great motivation for all players.”
Coach Lee Jeong-hyo, who led Gwangju’s blast last year, achieved his goal of promotion, but he always tries to keep his cool. The same goes for his disciples. But outside of training, he is friendly with his players. Lee said, “(Director Lee Jeong-hyo) approaches all players first without hesitation. He is cold-hearted at the training ground, but he doesn’t hate to say bad things because he thinks that all comments are good words that can improve not only the individual but also the team. He is like a football senior and a close older brother, apart from the manager and player relationship.”
Lee Eutteum, who joined Gwangju in 2015, is a side defender. Last season, he scored 2 goals and 9 assists in 30 league games, making a significant contribution to Gwangju’s K-League 2 victory. His stable defense and sharp crosses are excellent.